Nothing kills track day excitement faster than worrying whether your car will arrive at the circuit on time—or arrive in one piece. We will explain every detail of race-day transport: how to choose the right carrier, prep your vehicle, control costs, and protect your investment so you can focus on shaving lap times. West Coast Shipping handles international GT3s and weekend track toys alike; the tips below distill our years of motorsport know-how into one easy playbook.
Every track day involves tight schedules, strict sound checks, and rigorous safety tech. Ordinary auto transport might deliver a commuter sedan to a dealership, but transporting a race car demands:
Low-clearance loading—splitters, diffusers, and undertrays sit millimetres off the road.
Soft-strap tie-downs that won’t compress coil-over suspension or scar magnesium wheels.
Enclosed trailers or containers to shield high-value paint from road debris and curious onlookers.
| Transport Method | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed Trailer | High-value GT or vintage racer | Weatherproof; hidden from thieves | 25-30% higher price |
| Open Trailer | Budget club events | Cheapest; quick booking | Exposed to weather, road grit |
| Shared Container | International track day tours (EU, UK) | Splits cost; full security | Longer transit, fixed schedule |
| Air Freight | Last-minute overseas appearances | 48-hour delivery | 3× ocean rate |
For cross-country moves we recommend enclosed “lift-gate” trailers that load level with the ground—critical for ultra-low ride heights. If you need a refresher on container pros/cons, see our container vs. RoRo comparison.
Engine & Fluids
Reduce fuel to < ¼ tank to meet carrier safety rules.
Check coolant and oil; small leaks become major delays at custom inspections for overseas trips.
Tires & Brakes
Inspect tire tread and heat cycles; many tracks require 3 mm minimum.
Torque brake caliper bolts and record values in your pre-event logbook.
Interior & Safety Gear
Remove loose items (helmets, cameras) or secure in bins.
Pack harnesses and HANS devices in labelled cases—to pass tech quickly on arrival.
WCS provides a downloadable Track Day Prep Sheet that mirrors steps in our enclosed transport checklist.
Track Day Entry Confirmation – digital and paper.
Vehicle Registration or Title – even if “off-road use only.”
Helmet Certification – SA2020 or FIA homologation.
Proof of Insurance – see section 6 for on-track coverage.
Bill of Lading & Condition Photos – supplied by WCS to prove your car arrived unscathed.
| Route | Enclosed Trailer | Open Trailer | Shared Container (US → EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA → Sonoma (400 mi) | $1 800 | $1 200 | – |
| Miami → Atlanta (660 mi) | $2 500 | $1 650 | – |
| New Jersey → Rotterdam | – | – | $4 200 per car |
Saving Tips
Book early during peak track day season (March-June, Sept-Nov).
Share the ride—split trailer space with a buddy; WCS arranges multi-car pickups.
Choose flexible dates—mid-week departures cost less than Friday rush loads.
Use our instant quote calculator to test scenarios before committing.
Cargo Damage Protection – Full replacement value via our protection program.
GPS Tracking – Real-time pings viewable in your WCS dashboard.
Sealed Trailers – Tamper tags at every door; no unexpected pit stops.
Soft Straps & Wheel Nets – Avoids chassis compression and scratched wheels.
On-track incidents aren’t covered by standard transport policies. Consider on-track riders from insurers like Lockton Motorsports to extend coverage once you leave the paddock.
Most circuits open paddock gates 12–24 hours before the green flag. Miss that window and you might unload in a dirt overflow lot—far from power and pit amenities. WCS schedules pickups with buffer hours and uses multi-driver relays to maintain ETA.
Spare wheels ride beside the car, strapped and separated by padding.
Fluids & fuel: race fuel requires hazmat declaration; small oil cases usually pass under ORM-D limits.
Tools must be itemized—impact guns count as lithium-battery devices for air freight.
Absolutely. Many enthusiasts string together UK track day sessions—Goodwood, Silverstone, Brands Hatch—after shipping their car overseas. The same container can also hold luggage and spares, reducing hotel luggage fees. For multi-country tours, WCS secures an ATA Carnet so your race gear clears each border without new taxes.
Motorsport-Grade Equipment – Low-angle lift gates, E-track floors, climate control.
Dedicated Account Managers – Former racers who speak your language: camber, grip, telemetry.
Multi-Port Warehouses – Oakland, Miami, New Jersey for domestic and international routing.
Live Support – Text or call 24/7; we know delays don’t care about business hours.
Enclosed trailers are safest for low-clearance, high-value builds.
Prep your car: drain fuel, secure parts, photo everything.
Bring must-have documents: entry, title, insurance, bill of lading.
Book transport early and consider sharing space to cut costs.
Protect assets with all-risk insurance and GPS tracking.
West Coast Shipping delivers dependable, racer-focused logistics worldwide.
Ready to hit the track day without transport stress? Use our instant calculator below for race-ready pricing and let West Coast Shipping handle every mile from your garage to the pit lane.